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Nath S, Enerijiofi KE, Astapati AD, Guha A. Microplastics and nanoplastics in soil: Sources, impacts, and solutions for soil health and environmental sustainability. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39246015 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The present review discusses the growing concern of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil, together with their sources, concentration, distribution, and impact on soil microorganisms, human health, and ecosystems. MPs and NPs can enter the soil through various pathways, such as agricultural activities, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the soil, they can accumulate in the upper layers and affect soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. The presence of MPs and NPs in soil can also have ecological consequences, acting as carriers for pollutants and contaminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the leaching of chemicals and additives from MPs and NPs can pose public health risks through the food web and groundwater contamination. The detection and analyses of MPs and NPs in soil can be challenging, and methods involve spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To mitigate the presence and effects of MPs and NPs in soil, it is essential to reduce plastic waste production, improve waste management practices, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Effective mitigation measures include implementing stricter regulations on plastic use, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and enhancing recycling infrastructure. Additionally, soil amendments, such as biochar and compost, can help immobilize MPs and NPs, reducing their mobility and bioavailability. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these emerging environmental issues and identify potential solutions to alleviate their impact on soil health, ecosystem functioning, and community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Nath
- Department of Biotechnology, Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Kingsley Erhons Enerijiofi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Anupam Guha
- Michael Madhusudan Dutta College, Sabroom, Tripura, India
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Nantege D, Odong R, Auta HS, Keke UN, Ndatimana G, Assie AF, Arimoro FO. Microplastic pollution in riverine ecosystems: threats posed on macroinvertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9. [PMID: 37248351 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants of emerging concern that have been reported in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as well as in food items. The increasing production and use of plastic materials have led to a rise in MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This review aimed at providing an overview of the abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems and the potential effects posed on macroinvertebrates. Microplastics in riverine ecosystems are reported in all regions, with less research in Africa, South America, and Oceania. The abundance and distribution of MPs in riverine ecosystems are mainly affected by population density, economic activities, seasons, and hydraulic regimes. Ingestion of MPs has also been reported in riverine macroinvertebrates and has been incorporated in caddisflies cases. Further, bivalves and chironomids have been reported as potential indicators of MPs in aquatic ecosystems due to their ability to ingest MPs relative to environmental concentration. Fiber and fragments are the most common types reported. Meanwhile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (polyester), polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride are the most common polymers. These MPs are from materials/polymers commonly used for packaging, shopping/carrier bags, fabrics/textiles, and construction. Ingestion of MPs by macroinvertebrates can physically harm and inhibit growth, reproduction, feeding, and moulting, thus threatening their survival. In addition, MP ingestion can trigger enzymatic changes and cause oxidative stress in the organisms. There is a need to regulate the production and use of plastic materials, as well as disposal of the wastes to reduce MP pollution in riverine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Nantege
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria.
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Robinson Odong
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Shnada Auta
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Unique Ndubuisi Keke
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Gilbert Ndatimana
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Attobla Fulbert Assie
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
| | - Francis Ofurum Arimoro
- Applied Hydrobiology Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 65, Minna, Nigeria
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Rico A, Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Vighi M, Waichman AV, Nunes GSDS, de Oliveira R, Singdahl-Larsen C, Hurley R, Nizzetto L, Schell T. Large-scale monitoring and risk assessment of microplastics in the Amazon River. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119707. [PMID: 36773351 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the most widespread contaminants worldwide, yet their risks for freshwater ecosystems have seldom been investigated. In this study, we performed a large monitoring campaign to assess the presence and risks of MPs in Amazonian freshwater ecosystems. We investigated MP pollution in 40 samples collected along 1500 km in the Brazilian Amazon, including the Amazon River, three major tributaries, and several streams next to the most important urban areas. MPs in the 55-5000 µm size range were characterized (size, shape, color) by microscopy and identified (polymer composition) by infrared spectroscopy. Ecotoxicological risks were assessed using chronic Species Sensitivity Distributions for effects triggered by food dilution and tissue translocation using data alignment methods that correct for polydispersity of environmental MPs and bioaccessibility. This study shows that MPs are ubiquitous contaminants in Amazonian freshwater ecosystems, with measured concentrations (55-5000 µm) ranging between 5 and 152 MPs/m3 in the Amazon River and its main tributaries, and between 23 and 74,550 MPs/m3 in urban streams. The calculated Hazardous Concentration for the 5% of species (HC5) derived from the SSDs for the entire MP range (1-5000 µm) were 1.6 × 107 MPs/m3 (95% CI: 1.2 × 106 - 4.0 × 108) for food dilution, and 1.8 × 107 MPs/m3 (95% CI: 1.5 × 106 - 4.3 × 108) for translocation. Rescaled exposure concentrations (1-5000 µm) in the Amazon River and tributaries ranged between 6.0 × 103 and 1.8 × 105 MPs/m3, and were significantly lower than the calculated HC5 values. Rescaled concentrations in urban streams ranged between 1.7 × 105 and 5.7 × 108 MPs/m3, and exceeded both calculated HC5 values in 20% of the locations. This study shows that ecological impacts by MP contamination are not likely to happen in the Amazon River and its major tributaries. However, risks for freshwater organisms may be expected in near densely populated areas, such as the cities of Manaus or Belem, which have limited wastewater treatment facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreu Rico
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, Valencia 46980, Spain; IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain.
| | - Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain
| | - Andrea V Waichman
- Federal University of the Amazon, Institute of Biological Sciences, Av. Rodrigo Otávio Jordao Ramos 3000, Manaus 69077-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Silva de Souza Nunes
- Federal University of Pernambuco, Department of Zoology, Av. Prof Moraes Rego 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Rhaul de Oliveira
- University of Campinas, School of Technology, Rua Paschoal Marmo 1888 - Jd. Nova Itália, Limeira 13484-332, Brazil
| | | | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadelléen 21, Oslo 0349, Norway
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadelléen 21, Oslo 0349, Norway; Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, Brno 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Theresa Schell
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid 28805, Spain
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López-Calderón C, Martín-Vélez V, Blas J, Höfle U, Sánchez MI, Flack A, Fiedler W, Wikelski M, Green AJ. White stork movements reveal the ecological connectivity between landfills and different habitats. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:18. [PMID: 36978169 PMCID: PMC10045253 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connections between habitats are key to a full understanding of anthropic impacts on ecosystems. Freshwater habitats are especially biodiverse, yet depend on exchange with terrestrial habitats. White storks (Ciconia ciconia) are widespread opportunists that often forage in landfills and then visit wetlands, among other habitats. It is well known that white storks ingest contaminants at landfills (such as plastics and antibiotic resistant bacteria), which can be then deposited in other habitats through their faeces and regurgitated pellets. METHODS We characterized the role of white storks in habitat connectivity by analyzing GPS data from populations breeding in Germany and wintering from Spain to Morocco. We overlaid GPS tracks on a land-use surface to construct a spatially-explicit network in which nodes were sites, and links were direct flights. We then calculated centrality metrics, identified spatial modules, and quantified overall connections between habitat types. For regional networks in southern Spain and northern Morocco, we built Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGMs) to explain network topologies as a response to node habitat. RESULTS For Spain and Morocco combined, we built a directed spatial network with 114 nodes and 370 valued links. Landfills were the habitat type most connected to others, as measured by direct flights. The relevance of landfills was confirmed in both ERGMs, with significant positive effects of this habitat as a source of flights. In the ERGM for southern Spain, we found significant positive effects of rice fields and salines (solar saltworks) as sinks for flights. By contrast, in the ERGM for northern Morocco, we found a significant positive effect of marshes as a sink for flights. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate how white storks connect landfills with terrestrial and aquatic habitats, some of which are managed for food production. We identified specific interconnected habitat patches across Spain and Morocco that could be used for further studies on biovectoring of pollutants, pathogens and other propagules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme López-Calderón
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain.
| | - Víctor Martín-Vélez
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Julio Blas
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Ursula Höfle
- SaBio Health and Biotechnology Research Group, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Andrea Flack
- Collective Migration Group, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315, Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78468, Constance, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fiedler
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78468, Constance, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Martin Wikelski
- Department of Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, Radolfzell, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78468, Constance, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Seville, Spain
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Schütze B, Thomas D, Kraft M, Brunotte J, Kreuzig R. Comparison of different salt solutions for density separation of conventional and biodegradable microplastic from solid sample matrices. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:81452-81467. [PMID: 35731432 PMCID: PMC9606070 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are the new emerging pollutants ubiquitously detectable in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Fate and behavior, as well as ecotoxicity, are of increasing environmental concern, particularly in sediments and soils as natural sinks. For a global environmental risk assessment, reliable and easy to apply analytical methods are mandatory to obtain comparable data. This is based on the isolation of microplastics out of the solid sample matrices prior to instrumental detection. Thus, this study provides an easy to apply approach for density separation. The technique emerged from a comparative study using different salt solutions to isolate conventional, and for the first time biodegradable, microplastics from different solid sample matrices, i.e., sand, artificial soil, and compost. Four solutions (water, sodium chloride, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium bromide) of different densities were applied followed by oxidizing digestion. Finally, the impact of the procedures on size and surface properties of microplastics was tested. Dependent on the sample matrix, the highest recovery rates of 87.3-100.3% for conventional polymers, and 38.2-78.2% for biodegradable polymers, were determined with sodium bromide. It could be shown that the type of solid sample matrix influences the recovery rates and has to be considered when choosing a sample preparation technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Schütze
- Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Thünen Institute, Bundesallee 47, 38116, Brunswick, Germany
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Daniela Thomas
- Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Thünen Institute, Bundesallee 47, 38116, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Martin Kraft
- Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Thünen Institute, Bundesallee 47, 38116, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Joachim Brunotte
- Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Thünen Institute, Bundesallee 47, 38116, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Robert Kreuzig
- Institute of Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry, Technical University of Braunschweig, 38106, Brunswick, Germany
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Yu Z, Yao W, Loewen M, Li X, Zhang W. Incipient Motion of Exposed Microplastics in an Open-Channel Flow. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:14498-14506. [PMID: 36197018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The incipient motion threshold of microplastics (MPs), defined as the condition that is just sufficient to initiate MP movement, is key to assessing the transport and fate of MPs in water bodies, yet only a few studies have focused on its prediction. This study experimentally investigated the effects of bed roughness (smooth and rough beds) and MP properties (shapes, sizes, and densities) on the incipient velocity (Ui) and critical shear stress (τc) of exposed MPs in an open-channel flow. For a total of 19 types of MPs, Ui and τc were found to range from 0.06 to 0.21 m/s and 0.01 to 0.075 N/m2, respectively. The commonly used thresholds for sediment transport, for example, critical shield parameter Θc and movability number Λc, were established for MPs based on τc. Based on the experimental data of the literature and this study, it was found that predictions of Θc and Λc for sediments do not apply to MPs. A new explicit formula for Λc was proposed for predicting the incipient motion of MPs by introducing the dimensionless particle diameter (d*) and a new dimensionless parameter related to the particle size, density, and shape. The new formula has an absolute error of 12.3%, which is smaller than the existing formula for MPs (55.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton ABT6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Weiwei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu610065, China
| | - Mark Loewen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton ABT6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Xiaochen Li
- College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong271018, China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton ABT6G 1H9, Canada
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Belkhiri AH, Carre F, Quiot F. State of knowledge and future research needs on microplastics in groundwater. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1479-1496. [PMID: 36308493 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in aquatic and soil environments. This study targets the issue of MPs' transfer from soil to groundwater. Scientific papers were collected and analyzed using a text-mining approach that classifies text segments. This allowed the identification of four research topics and the organization of the results into a summarizing table. Those four topics are sources of groundwater MPs, main types of MPs (physico-chemical properties, polymer units, shapes, and size), human exposure (mainly drinking water), and potential environmental and human effects. Compared to the research of MP on aquatic or soil compartments, scientific data on MP in groundwater are less substantial. Current results show a divergence due to differences in context (alluvial aquifer, fractured rock aquifer, karst aquifer, etc), collecting, sampling, and analytical methods. This divergence requires further research with standardized analytic protocols and reference materials. The associated research gaps were identified by using the same approach. The following five topics emerged: (1) the transfer of MPs from soil to underground, (2) the contribution of groundwater to drinking water microplastic pollution, (3) the interaction with other contaminants, (4) the human and environmental effects, and (5) the protective and remediation solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Hoarau Belkhiri
- INERIS (Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques), BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France E-mail:
| | - Florence Carre
- INERIS (Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques), BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France E-mail:
| | - Fabrice Quiot
- INERIS (Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques), BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France E-mail:
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Schell T, Martinez‐Perez S, Dafouz R, Hurley R, Vighi M, Rico A. Effects of Polyester Fibers and Car Tire Particles on Freshwater Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1555-1567. [PMID: 35353397 PMCID: PMC9324906 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion has been shown for various organisms, but knowledge of the potential adverse effects on freshwater invertebrates remains limited. We assessed the ingestion capacity and the associated effects of polyester fibers (26-5761 µm) and car tire particles (25-75 µm) on freshwater invertebrates under acute and chronic exposure conditions. A range of microplastic concentrations was tested on Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Asellus aquaticus, and Lumbriculus variegatus using water only (up to 0.15 g/L) or spiked sediment (up to 2 g/kg dry wt), depending on the habitat of the species. Daphnia magna did not ingest any fibers, but low levels of fibers were ingested by all tested benthic invertebrate species. Car tire particle ingestion rose with increasing exposure concentration for all tested invertebrates and was highest in D. magna and L. variegatus. In most cases, no statistically significant effects on mobility, survival, or reproductive output were observed after acute and chronic exposure at the tested concentrations. However, fibers affected the reproduction and survival of D. magna (no-observed-effect concentration [NOEC]: 0.15 mg/L) due to entanglement and limited mobility under chronic conditions. Car tire particles affected the reproduction (NOEC: 1.5 mg/L) and survival (NOEC: 0.15 mg/L) of D. magna after chronic exposure at concentrations in the same order of magnitude as modeled river water concentrations, suggesting that refined exposure and effect studies should be performed with these microplastics. Our results confirm that microplastic ingestion by freshwater invertebrates depends on particle shape and size and that ingestion quantity depends on the exposure pathway and the feeding strategy of the test organism. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1555-1567. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schell
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical EngineeringUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Sara Martinez‐Perez
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical EngineeringUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Raquel Dafouz
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | | | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ValenciaPaternaSpain
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Kinigopoulou V, Pashalidis I, Kalderis D, Anastopoulos I. Microplastics as carriers of inorganic and organic contaminants in the environment: A review of recent progress. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.118580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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10
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Pironti C, Ricciardi M, Motta O, Miele Y, Proto A, Montano L. Microplastics in the Environment: Intake through the Food Web, Human Exposure and Toxicological Effects. TOXICS 2021; 9:224. [PMID: 34564375 PMCID: PMC8473407 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, studies on microplastics (MPs) have increased rapidly due to the growing awareness of the potential health risks related to their occurrence. The first part of this review is devoted to MP occurrence, distribution, and quantification. MPs can be transferred from the environment to humans mainly through inhalation, secondly from ingestion, and, to a lesser extent, through dermal contact. As regards food web contamination, we discuss the microplastic presence not only in the most investigated sources, such as seafood, drinking water, and salts, but also in other foods such as honey, sugar, milk, fruit, and meat (chickens, cows, and pigs). All literature data suggest not-negligible human exposure to MPs through the above-mentioned routes. Consequently, several research efforts have been devoted to assessing potential human health risks. Initially, toxicological studies were conducted with aquatic organisms and then with experimental mammal animal models and human cell cultures. In the latter case, toxicological effects were observed at high concentrations of MPs (polystyrene is the most common MP benchmark) for a short time. Further studies must be performed to assess the real consequences of MP contamination at low concentrations and prolonged exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Pironti
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (C.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Ylenia Miele
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (Y.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Proto
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (Y.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
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11
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Vighi M, Bayo J, Fernández-Piñas F, Gago J, Gómez M, Hernández-Borges J, Herrera A, Landaburu J, Muniategui-Lorenzo S, Muñoz AR, Rico A, Romera-Castillo C, Viñas L, Rosal R. Micro and Nano-Plastics in the Environment: Research Priorities for the Near Future. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 257:163-218. [PMID: 34487249 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter dispersed in the different environmental compartments represents one of the most concerning problems associated with human activities. Specifically, plastic particles in the micro and nano size scale are ubiquitous and represent a threat to human health and the environment. In the last few decades, a huge amount of research has been devoted to evaluate several aspects of micro/nano-plastic contamination: origin and emissions, presence in different compartments, environmental fate, effects on human health and the environment, transfer in the food web and the role of associated chemicals and microorganisms. Nevertheless, despite the bulk of information produced, several knowledge gaps still exist. The objective of this paper is to highlight the most important of these knowledge gaps and to provide suggestions for the main research needs required to describe and understand the most controversial points to better orient the research efforts for the near future. Some of the major issues that need further efforts to improve our knowledge on the exposure, effects and risk of micro/nano-plastics are: harmonization of sampling procedures; development of more accurate, less expensive and less time-consuming analytical methods; assessment of degradation patterns and environmental fate of fragments; evaluating the capabilities for bioaccumulation and transfer to the food web; and evaluating the fate and the impact of chemicals and microorganisms associated with micro/nano-plastics. The major gaps in all sectors of our knowledge, from exposure to potentially harmful effects, refer to small size microplastics and, particularly, to the occurrence, fate and effects of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Gago
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio-Román Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA-Water Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Romera-Castillo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Viñas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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